The effect of funding on practical teaching of agriculture in selected secondary schools in Rakai District

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate how various aspects of funding affects the practical teaching of agriculture in selected secondary schools in Rakai district. The objectives of the study were to: assess the availability and adequacy of funds for agriculture practicals in secondary schools in Rakai district and establish whether funds for agriculture practical work are released in time whenever they are required.

A cross-sectional survey design was used. Twenty secondary schools were selected for the study which involved 20 head teachers and 20 heads of agriculture departments. Data was collected from head teachers and heads of departments using questionnaires and interviews.

The instruments were pre-tested and the necessary adjustments made to improve the validity and reliability. The study established that funds are generally not available for agriculture practicals. However in specific areas like crop production, schools have funds to conduct agriculture practicals. It was also found that where funds are available, they are not adequate for agriculture practicals. Also it was established that funds are not always released in time whenever they are required for practicals.

It was recommended that government should give special grants for practical subjects like agriculture. Also schools should start viable income generating activities to raise funds which in turn can be re-invested in agricultural production. Schools should establish small agriculture projects which do not require a lot of funds to train students in agricultural skills. The head teachers and heads of agriculture departments should cooperate and plan thoroughly so that funds are released in time for practicals. Finally it was recommended that school administrators should allocate adequate funds in their budgets for efficient organization of agricultural programmes in their schools.